Airport set to
celebrate 30th anniversary of passenger terminal complex
By A.B. Snedeker

This month, Hartsfield-Jackson celebrates the 30th anniversary
of the opening of the Central Passenger Terminal Complex (CPTC). On
September 21, 1980, the ribbon was cut on the world’s first
airport built from the ground up as a hub.

To commemorate the milestone, the Airport has invited former General
Manager George Berry to provide remarks during a brief media event
planned for this month in the Atrium. Berry cut the ceremonial ribbon
at the grand opening of the newly configured airport in 1980.

The highlight of the upcoming event is a photographic exhibit displayed
in the Airport Atrium in honor of the CPTC’s anniversary. The
photos and written passages tell the story of the 1961 airport terminal
and the developments in aviation that led to the 1980 facility. They
also provide insights into decisions made in the planning and construction
of the new airport and feature many of the key figures who played
important roles in its creation.

Others invited to the anniversary event include former airport officials
Grady Ridgeway and Richard Stogner, City of Atlanta and other local
elected officials, and business leaders.

A new exhibit, commemorating the 30th anniversary of the
Central Passenger Terminal Complex, includes photographs from the
history of the Airport as well as images (such as this one) of it
when it was completed in 1980. (Image courtesy of Stevens & Wilkinson.)